Western Virginia Regional Jail | Salem, VA
Are you ready to make a real difference while building a career you can be proud of? Have you wanted to start your career in law enforcement, but was unsure of the process? At the Western Virginia Regional Jail, you will have the opportunity to observe the position and become certified through the Academy typically within your 1st year! Schedule a written and agility test with us and set your path in motion!
We’re looking for motivated individuals to join our team of professional Correctional Officers – both male and female – who are ready to serve with strength, integrity, and respect.
Why Join Us?
Work-Life Balance You Can Actually Enjoy
Work just 13 days a month in a full-time position thanks to our 12-hour rotating or fixed shift schedules. You will work a maximum of 3 days in a row!
Strong Pay & Benefits
- Starting Salary: $48,853/year ($23.49/hour) — effective 07/01/25
- Already VA jail certified? You may qualify for enhanced starting pay
- Retire at age 50 after just 25 years of service
- Receive Hazardous Duty Supplement after 20 years of service at $1,407 a month
- VRS Retirement Plan (Employee up to 5% contribution / company pays 10.05% contribution)
- Comprehensive Benefits Package including affordable health, dental, vision, paid leave, and more
- Flexible Leave Plan (FLP) cash-in twice a year to you or Deferred Comp
- Offer 8x Life Insurance option at minimal cost to you
- Veterans are eligible to use their GI Bill Educational / on-the-job training benefits starting at the time of hire and continuing through their training at the academy.
Supportive Wellness Environment
Stay fit with access to our on-site gym – free for staff before or after your shift. Wellness Room for all staff.
What We’re Looking For:
- Age 20+
- High school diploma or GED
- U.S. Citizen
- Must be able to pass a background screening
- Current Virginia residents or those planning to relocate are welcome to apply!
What You'll Do:
As a Correctional Officer, you’ll perform protective service work—maintaining safety and security within the facility. You'll become a role model and a critical part of the justice system, contributing to rehabilitation and community safety.
Duties Include:
- Processing / maintaining care and custody of inmates
- Conducts periodic security checks of inmates in assigned areas
- Ensures proper security of inmates, staff and visitors to the jail facility
- Provides information, which is legally permissible to citizens, police officers and other criminal justice agencies
- Supervises cleaning details for assigned areas
- Attends to special needs of inmates
- Maintains log of inmate movement throughout the facility
- Monitors camera and surveillance equipment in the main control room and/or pod control rooms
- Prepares reports and other daily records
- Provides information which is legally permissible to citizens, police officers and other criminal justice agencies
- Ensuring compliance standards are met
- Performs any other work duties assigned by the Superintendent or his designee
Location:
Western Virginia Regional Jail
5885 West River Rd.
Salem, Virginia 24153
Ready to Apply?
Find details on the required written & physical agility testing, a list of disqualifiers, and the application process on our website (www.wvarj.org).
Marijuana use is a disqualifier.
Got questions? Call us at 540-378-3726
If you’re ready to serve, grow, and lead—JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY.
This is more than just a job—it’s your career in law enforcement, redefined.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $48,853.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Salem, VA: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
